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Apart from the regular and retired members of the Force, members of the Auxiliary Force are indispensable constituents of the Police Anti-Coronavirus Contingent (PACC). During the outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic in February 2020, some 20 auxiliary members of the PACC showed up in the temporarily-transformed quarantine centre at Chun Yeung Estate (CYE QC) within a few days to facilitate quarantine exercises. Auxiliary Police Fung Pak-hoo (Pak-hoo), who was still an undergraduate at the time, was one of them.
Pak-hoo joined the Force in 2017 through the Auxiliary Undergraduate Scheme. He has been taking part in the activities of the Force’s Volunteer Services Corps. Recalling the time when he was urgently called to turn out to CYE QC in February 2022, Pak-hoo said, “I undertook the CYE QC mission in no time. I understood those who had reservation as they might worry about their own personal safety. As a member of the Force, however, I have to uphold the belief of ‘self-improvement in adversity’ to promote the anti-epidemic exercise.”
Due to insufficient manpower at the early stage of CYE QC, regular and auxiliary officers had to work together to maintain the operation of the Centre. Pak-hoo was responsible for checking the number of people under quarantine and delivering food to them. Despite its difficulty, the work brought him much satisfaction and pride. He said, “The sight of recognition in the eyes of the people undergoing quarantine and the children’s cheer when they knew that we would come are still fresh in my mind.”
During the outbreak of epidemic, regular members of the Force were multi-tasked. They assisted in the compulsory testing in restricted areas and enforcement actions on Cap 599G. As some colleagues were unfortunately infected, the manpower shortage was aggrieved. “It is fortunate for me to take part in the work of PACC in this extraordinary period. We not only helped the public who were in need but also provided support to our regular officers, which is especially meaningful indeed,” said Pak-hoo.
The experience in PACC strengthened Pak-hoo’s determination in joining the Force. After graduation from university, Pak-hoo became a regular police officer and is currently attached to Patrol Sub-unit of Central District. He hopes that the epidemic will pass soon for the public to have their daily life back on track. He will also try different posts in the Force so that he can make use of what he has learned to serve the community with his talents.”
Yung Shu Tau, the storytelling column, will keep publishing stories of PACC. Please send your submission to storytelling@police.gov.hk if you have experience to share in anti-epidemic operations.
